All dentists are familiar with this problem: They refer a patient to a specialist, only to have that person fall off the map. Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz acknowledges that this is frustrating, and often the dentist doesn’t know why the person fell through the cracks.
She talks with Sam Ahani, DDS, who has created a solution for this problem. Surrounded by dentists within his own family, dinner table conversations often turned to lost referrals, Dr. Ahani explained. He himself used to hand patients a referral sheet of paper and think, “Will I ever see you again?”
He took action: he created Refera. When he and some of his relatives tried it, they saw an immediate difference. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz asks him how it works. He gives a brief demonstration of the straightforward software that is easy to understand, as well as HIPAA compliant.
He said that patients often lose or simply toss the paper referrals sheets that they’re given. But with Refera, the system sends a notification to the referred office. This then gives that office the opportunity to quickly follow up with patients so that they don’t forget.
It also sends an email to patients. This guarantees they received the referral and prevents them from getting by with the excuse, "My dentist never gave it to me." It keeps all the necessary information in one place for doctors and patients alike and decreases miscommunication between all parties.
Find out if Refera is right for your practice by visiting refera.com/.
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Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].
